What does foster carer assessment training involve?

Foster carer assessment training is structured preparation completed during the assessment process to help you understand the role, examine your readiness and identify any support or further learning you may need. It is not simply a test or a tick-box exercise: your participation, understanding and ability to apply learning are considered alongside the wider assessment information.

Training commonly takes place in a group, although some elements may be discussed with your assessing social worker or completed through guided activities. The format can include presentations, group discussion, case examples, videos, written exercises and practical scenarios. You may be asked how you would respond to a situation, what information you would need, and when you would seek advice. These activities help connect general information about fostering with the decisions a carer may need to make in everyday situations.

The content is designed to help you understand:

• the different needs children may have when they enter foster care;
• how previous experiences can affect a child’s responses, relationships and sense of security;
• how to provide consistent care while following the child’s plans and agreed boundaries;
• how to contribute to meetings, reviews, records and decisions about a child’s care;
• the importance of confidentiality, safe information-sharing and accurate recording;
• how fostering can affect relationships, routines and responsibilities within your household; and
• where to obtain advice when a situation is beyond your current knowledge or experience.

You will usually be expected to take an active part rather than only listen. This may involve considering your reasons for fostering, discussing how you would manage potential challenges, completing learning activities and asking questions about anything you do not understand. If you are applying as a couple, both applicants should engage with the training. Other members of the household may also be involved where their age, understanding or relationship to the proposed fostering arrangement makes that appropriate.

The assessing social worker uses training discussions as one source of information about your preparation. They may note how you communicate, respond to different views, reflect on your assumptions and consider the effect of fostering on your household. This does not mean that you must already know how to deal with every possible situation. A willingness to learn, recognise limits and work with professional advice is more relevant than presenting yourself as an expert.

Training can also identify matters that need further exploration during the assessment. For example, you may need more information about a particular type of placement, additional discussion about household routines, or guidance on how your support network could contribute. The assessing team should explain what has been identified and how it will be addressed. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve further reading, another discussion, additional preparation or consideration within the assessment report.

Before attending, it is useful to:

• read any information provided in advance;
• think about how fostering could affect your work, family life, privacy and existing commitments;
• write down questions about the assessment or the type of fostering you are considering;
• tell the team about any learning, communication or accessibility needs; and
• make sure relevant household members understand what the training involves.

Completing training does not by itself mean that approval is automatic. It forms part of a broader assessment that may also consider your circumstances, checks, references, health information, home environment, relationships and capacity to provide safe care. The information gathered is brought together in the assessment report and considered through the approval process.

Preparation does not end when an assessment is completed. Approved foster carers receive further training and development linked to their role, the children they care for and any areas identified in their support or development plans. Your assessing or supervising team can explain which training applies to your circumstances and how your progress will be recorded.